A Knitted Friend Born from Love!

Every child loves to have something to snuggle and love. I still have my first teddy bear a hand-me-down from my brother but my bear was so loved he hardly has any fur left. For my own children I wanted something that was a little different. I didn't want something born from a factory.




For my daughter I wanted something made with love, something she would cherish and keep forever. I wanted something born from the love and imagination of the maker. Something made with loving hand that gently took some beautiful yarn carefully selected and then lovingly stuffed with the same care.
 

Etsy is a great place to find such items and Sara was just the right artist to create this toy for my daughter. Words from the artist; "Knitting is my passion - the colors, the textures, I love it all and hope that you do too! My favorite things to knit are animals..." If you don't know these wonderful toys from sight, then you must take the time to look in a lovely shop, Woolies by Sara.

I highly recommend these wonderful woolies for your next gift giving. Need another reason? Just check out Sara's feedback to know how much her customers, not just me, love her work. Read what some of her adoring fans have said...

"Cutest sheepie I have ever seen! They dont have a button for how positive this sheep is! Thank you so much. She will be loved for years and years :0) she turned out wonderful!"

"The best, softest, sweetest monkey! He looks lovely in his purple overalls and he is dearly loved by his new owner! Thank you! The best things do come in brown paper packages tied up in string!!"

"He is so adorable I can hardly stand it! He really has so much character, he's a welcome addition to our home :)"

This is a true and honest product review, all items reviewed were purchased by the writer of this post. Beccijo Neff

Friday Feature with Eve's Little Earthlings

Today's interview is with Eve, of Eve's Little Earthlings. Enjoy!

Tell us little about yourself!
I live in a small Ontario city with my husband, 2 teenage kids, dog, cat and 5 chickens.  We have an ‘urban farm’ in our backyard and are working to become self sufficient year round in vegetables and fruit.  I ran a waldorf inspired daycare for 10 years.  That is when I got interested in making toys from repurposed, natural materials.

What do you make, & how long have you been creating?

I make all kinds of small toy animals, toy animal habitats and playmats.  I’ve been building up my collection gradually over the last 10 years.  I started by making North American woodland animals, but now I also make some African and Australian animals too!

What inspires you?

I am inspired by nature, trees and the sweet intelligence of all creatures.

What got you started working with repurposed sweaters?

I am passionate about not wasting our precious resources.  Old sweaters are soft and warm, they have a beautiful stretch and sew nicely.  It is fun shopping for sweaters.  You never know what you might find and how it might inspire a new item.


How long have you been on Etsy, & how has it been for you so far?

I have been here at Etsy for just over a year.  Things have been gradually getting busier, although there are stretches when it seems that nothing is happening!

What advice would you have for other Etsians?

Learn to take great photos and relist or add new items often.   Don’t be afraid to try making new things and schedule some creative time every week. Keep plugging away and don’t be discouraged if things sell right away.   Read the forums and Etsy’s tips for good advice.

What do you hope to learn/gain/contribute from being part of the Natural Kids group?

I was hoping to make friendships within the group and connect with some people who are doing the same things that I am. The team makes me feel like I’m not alone during the day.

What thoughts do you have for parents on the importance of natural toys for creative play?

Children will cherish their toys if they are beautifully and carefully made with love.  I chose to give  my children and the children I cared for with well made toys that nurtured quiet imaginative play.
They learned to care for their toys and not think of them as disposable junk.  I think this fosters a positive attitude towards the environment and helps them to question our consumer society as they grow up.

Your links:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/eveslittleearthlings
http://www.facebook.com/#!/EvesLittleEarthlings
http://poppytalkhandmade.com/table44  (currently, until the end of November)
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhum

Thank you Eve!
This interview was by Kat, of kats in the belfry.